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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.