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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.