🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Intensifies While Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation This powerful storm has struck nearby countries Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls. The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts. Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised. This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November. Highest-Level Storm Threat A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph. Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island. Critical Preparations With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials. The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned. "Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready." Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities. Broader Consequences Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Course The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic. By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm. Climate Connection While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense. Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of storms. Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.