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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

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

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.