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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.