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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

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

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.