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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences 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.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.