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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.