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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Background

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.