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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.