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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.