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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.