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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

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

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.