🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica The hurricane has struck neighboring nations Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides. The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities. Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month. Most Intense Cyclone Threat A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country. Immediate Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials. The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified. "Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared." Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities. Wider Impact Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period. Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Path The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone. Climate Background Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme. Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones. Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.