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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.