Tropical Storm the storm Intensifies While Moves Toward the Island Nation

Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.