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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.