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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.