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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.