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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing 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.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.