🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Heads In the Direction of Jamaica The hurricane has struck nearby countries Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides. The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts. Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn. Highest-Level Cyclone Risk A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country. Critical Readiness Measures With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified. "However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared." Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities. Broader Consequences Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Path The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm. Climate Connection While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe. Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes. Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.