đŸ”— Share this article Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation This powerful storm has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls. This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities. Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told. Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November. Most Intense Cyclone Danger A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island. Immediate Preparations With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials. The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials. Wider Impact Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period. Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Course Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic. By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone. Weather Background While it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe. Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes. Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.