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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.