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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.