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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.