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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.