🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica This powerful storm has impacted neighboring nations Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists. Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November. Most Intense Cyclone Threat A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation. Immediate Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," advised meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready." Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Regional Effects Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period. Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Path This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone. Weather Background Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe. Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes. Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.