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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.