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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.