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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane 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 "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.