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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Environmental Context

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.