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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.