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

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

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

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.