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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.