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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.