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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected 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 local authorities.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Context

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.