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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

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

Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.