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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.