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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.