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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.