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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.