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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

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

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.