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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.