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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.