🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels Toward the Island Nation The hurricane has impacted neighboring nations Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts. Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told. Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November. Most Intense Storm Danger A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country. Critical Preparations With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials. The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified. "However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared." Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities. Wider Consequences Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities. Projected Trajectory This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic. By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone. Weather Connection While it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme. Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes. Before the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.