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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.