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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Environmental Context

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.