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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

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

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.