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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.