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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.