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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

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

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

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.