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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.