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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

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

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.