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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

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

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.