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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

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

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.