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Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

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

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.