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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts 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.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.