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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.