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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.