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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.