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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.