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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.