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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

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

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.