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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

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

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.