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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a infrequent category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.