đź”— Share this article Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Towards the Island Nation The hurricane has struck neighboring nations Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides. The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists. Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised. This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November. Category Five Storm Threat A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h. Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island. Critical Safety Steps With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities. The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "Yet the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials. Wider Impact Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services. Projected Path The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean. By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane. Weather Connection Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense. Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones. Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.