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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered 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 anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.