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Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities 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 strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.