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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.