🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has already affected neighboring nations Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides. The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities. Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month. Most Intense Hurricane Threat A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island. Critical Safety Steps With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities. The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned. "But the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared." Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities. Regional Impact Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Path This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic. By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane. Climate Context Although it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme. Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of storms. Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.