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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.