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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

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

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.