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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.