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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.