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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.