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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.