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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.