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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.