🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has impacted nearby countries Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides. This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists. Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told. The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn. Highest-Level Storm Danger A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph. While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country. Urgent Readiness Measures With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Broader Effects Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Trajectory This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean. By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone. Weather Connection While it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense. Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes. Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.