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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.