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Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.