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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.