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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

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 and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

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

While this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

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

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.