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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.