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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.