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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.