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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.