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

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

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

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

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

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.