🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Heads Towards the Island Nation The cyclone has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides. The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts. Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn. Highest-Level Storm Risk A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities. The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities. Wider Effects Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Course Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic. By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm. Climate Connection Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense. Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms. Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.