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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

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

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.