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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

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

Although this storm is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.