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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.