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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.