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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.