🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Toward the Island Nation This powerful storm has already affected neighboring nations Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides. This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists. Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told. This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn. Most Intense Hurricane Risk A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation. Critical Readiness Measures With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified. "Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities. Wider Impact Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services. Projected Course Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone. Environmental Background Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense. Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes. Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.