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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.