🔗 Share this article Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation The cyclone has impacted neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls. The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts. Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told. Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November. Most Intense Hurricane Danger A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour. While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation. Critical Preparations With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities. The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified. "However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared." Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities. Broader Impact Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week. Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services. Expected Trajectory Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic. By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm. Environmental Context Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme. Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes. Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.