🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Towards the Island Nation The cyclone has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls. The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists. Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged. This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November. Most Intense Hurricane Risk A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island. Urgent Preparations With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "However the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials. Regional Consequences Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Path Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. Weather Background Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense. Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.