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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.