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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.