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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

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

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.