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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.