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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.