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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

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

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

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

Wider Effects

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

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.