🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power While Heads Toward the Island Nation The hurricane has struck nearby countries Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts. Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged. The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month. Highest-Level Cyclone Threat A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph. Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities. The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared." Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities. Wider Impact Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities. Future Trajectory Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean. By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane. Weather Context While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe. Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones. Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.