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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.