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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.