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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.