đź”— Share this article Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Moves In the Direction of Jamaica The cyclone has impacted nearby countries Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides. The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities. Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told. The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn. Category Five Storm Danger A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country. Immediate Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts. The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified. "Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared." Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities. Wider Impact Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities. Projected Path Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane. Climate Connection While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense. Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes. Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.