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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

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

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.