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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

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

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.