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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.