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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.