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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

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

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.