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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.