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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

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

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.