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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.