🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Intensifies As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation The hurricane has struck nearby countries Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides. The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists. Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told. Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November. Highest-Level Cyclone Threat A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified. "Yet the best way to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready." Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials. Regional Consequences Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services. Projected Trajectory This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean. By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone. Climate Connection Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe. Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.