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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.