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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.