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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.