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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.