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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds 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 make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts 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 analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.