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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.