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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

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

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Context

While it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.