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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected 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 emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.