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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.