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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.