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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

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

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.