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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.