Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Moves Towards the Island Nation

Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare category five storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.