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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.