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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.