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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

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

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.