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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.