🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Toward Jamaica The cyclone has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls. The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month. Highest-Level Storm Risk A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Readiness Measures With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials. The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "However the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared." Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Regional Impact Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Path The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean. By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane. Climate Context While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense. Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones. Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.