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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

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

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.