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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

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

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.