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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

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

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.