🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation The cyclone has impacted neighboring nations Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides. This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities. Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November. Highest-Level Cyclone Risk A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island. Critical Safety Steps With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials. The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified. "But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared." Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities. Broader Impact Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services. Projected Trajectory This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean. By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane. Climate Context While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes. Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.