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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

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

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.