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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

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

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.