🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation The hurricane has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities. Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised. This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November. Highest-Level Hurricane Danger A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island. Urgent Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," advised climate experts. The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned. "But the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared." Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Regional Effects Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period. Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Trajectory The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic. By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm. Climate Background Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe. Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes. Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.