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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.