🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Moves Towards the Island Nation The cyclone has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities. Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised. This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn. Category Five Hurricane Risk A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials. The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural. "Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities. Wider Consequences Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Trajectory Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic. By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone. Climate Background While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe. Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.