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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

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

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.