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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.