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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

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

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.