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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.