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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.