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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation 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 predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.