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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.