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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.