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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings 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 typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.