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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.