🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power While Heads Toward Jamaica The cyclone has already affected nearby countries Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities. Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month. Highest-Level Storm Threat A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h. Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country. Critical Preparations With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural. "But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials. Broader Consequences Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Trajectory Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic. By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane. Weather Background While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe. Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes. Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.