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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.