🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has struck neighboring nations Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides. The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts. Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told. This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November. Highest-Level Hurricane Threat A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h. Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation. Critical Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities. Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials. Broader Consequences Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services. Future Trajectory This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm. Weather Background Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.