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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

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

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.