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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.