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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.