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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.