🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica The hurricane has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides. This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts. Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged. Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month. Most Intense Cyclone Threat A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island. Immediate Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared." Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials. Broader Effects Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Course Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean. By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone. Climate Connection Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme. Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.