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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.