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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

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

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.