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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.