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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.