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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.