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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Background

While it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.