🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation The cyclone has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts. Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month. Highest-Level Storm Risk A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island. Critical Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials. The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified. "Yet the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready." Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities. Regional Impact Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Course Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. Climate Background Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense. Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.