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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.