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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.