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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.