🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power As It Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation The cyclone has already affected nearby countries Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts. Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn. Most Intense Cyclone Risk A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country. Immediate Safety Steps With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised climate experts. The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "Yet the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities. Regional Consequences Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Course The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone. Climate Background While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense. Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones. Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.