🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Barrels Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls. This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists. Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn. Most Intense Cyclone Threat A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph. Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island. Urgent Preparations With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities. The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified. "But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities. Regional Effects Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Course Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane. Climate Connection Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe. Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of storms. Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.