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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.