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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.