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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.