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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.