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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Context

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

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

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.