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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

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

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.