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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.