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Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts 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 ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.