🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Intensifies As It Moves Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has struck nearby countries Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities. Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged. Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn. Category Five Cyclone Danger A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials. Regional Effects Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period. Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Path Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean. By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane. Environmental Background While it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe. Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes. Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.