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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.