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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.