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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a rare highest-level storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.