🔗 Share this article Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger As It Barrels Towards the Island Nation The hurricane has struck neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts. Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn. Category Five Hurricane Threat A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h. Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation. Critical Preparations With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned. "However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared." Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials. Regional Impact Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities. Projected Path The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic. By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm. Climate Connection Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe. Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms. Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.