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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.