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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.