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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.