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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

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

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

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

"However the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.