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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

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

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.