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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

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

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.