Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels Towards the Island Nation

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Context

While it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.