🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation The hurricane has already affected neighboring nations Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides. The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts. Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told. This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn. Highest-Level Storm Threat A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. While this storm is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island. Urgent Safety Steps With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged weather authorities. The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared." Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials. Regional Impact Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities. Projected Path Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean. By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone. Climate Connection Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense. Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes. Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.