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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

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

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.