đź”— Share this article Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Moves Toward Jamaica The hurricane has struck neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides. The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists. Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November. Most Intense Cyclone Risk A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph. Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities. The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified. "Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Broader Effects Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Path Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm. Climate Connection While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense. Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones. Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.