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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.