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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.