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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.