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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.