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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.