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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.