🔗 Share this article Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Barrels Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has struck nearby countries Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts. Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised. Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November. Highest-Level Hurricane Danger A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island. Critical Preparations With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," urged weather authorities. Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned. "But the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials. Broader Impact Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period. Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services. Projected Trajectory The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm. Weather Connection While it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense. Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.