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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.