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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.