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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

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

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.