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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

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

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.