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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.