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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.