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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.