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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.