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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

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

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

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

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.