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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.