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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.