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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.