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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

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

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.