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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.