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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.