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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.