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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.