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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.