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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

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

Category Five Hurricane Risk

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

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.