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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.