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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.