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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.