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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.