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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.