🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads Toward Jamaica The hurricane has already affected neighboring nations Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls. The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists. Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised. Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn. Most Intense Cyclone Risk A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h. Although the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts. The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural. "Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared." Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities. Regional Consequences Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services. Future Trajectory Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm. Environmental Connection While it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe. Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.