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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.