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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

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

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.