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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

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

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.