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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.