🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica The cyclone has already affected neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides. The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts. Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told. The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November. Category Five Hurricane Risk A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h. While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island. Urgent Safety Steps With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities. Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural. "However the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials. Wider Effects Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services. Projected Course This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean. By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone. Environmental Background Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe. Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes. Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.