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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.