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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.