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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.