🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Towards the Island Nation This powerful storm has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls. The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts. Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised. This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month. Most Intense Storm Risk A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised climate experts. The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified. "However the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials. Wider Effects Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week. Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services. Expected Course This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean. By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane. Weather Connection Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense. Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes. Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.