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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.