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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

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

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.