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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.