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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.