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Cyclone Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.