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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

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

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.