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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.