đź”— Share this article Cyclone the storm Intensifies While Heads Toward the Island Nation This powerful storm has already affected nearby countries Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides. This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists. Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told. This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month. Category Five Cyclone Risk A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph. Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Safety Steps With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials. The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified. "But the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities. Wider Effects Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services. Projected Course The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm. Environmental Background Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme. Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes. Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.