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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists 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 country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.