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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.