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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

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

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.