🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Intensifies As It Heads Towards Jamaica The cyclone has impacted nearby countries Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides. The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts. Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told. The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn. Highest-Level Storm Risk A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country. Immediate Safety Steps With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities. The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified. "Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Regional Effects Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services. Projected Trajectory The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic. By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm. Weather Background While it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe. Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.