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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had 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 hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.