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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.