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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds 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 midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.