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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.