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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.