🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves Toward Jamaica This powerful storm has already affected neighboring nations Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides. This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities. Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged. The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn. Most Intense Storm Danger A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities. The nation's leader the official stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural. "However the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared." Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities. Regional Consequences Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities. Projected Path The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic. By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm. Climate Connection Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms. Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.