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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.