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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.