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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare category five cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.