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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences 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 emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.