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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Context

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.