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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.