🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies While Heads In the Direction of Jamaica The cyclone has impacted neighboring nations Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists. Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told. This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November. Highest-Level Cyclone Threat A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Safety Steps With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities. The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared." Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Broader Impact Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Course The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone. Climate Background Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes. Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.