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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.