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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

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

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.