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Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.