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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.