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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

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

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.