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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.