🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Barrels Towards Jamaica The hurricane has impacted neighboring nations Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides. The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts. Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told. The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn. Most Intense Cyclone Risk A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation. Critical Preparations With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities. The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural. "But the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities. Regional Consequences Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services. Projected Path The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm. Climate Connection Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe. Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.