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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.