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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.