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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.