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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.