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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.