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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.