🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Barrels Toward the Island Nation This powerful storm has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls. This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told. The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November. Highest-Level Hurricane Threat A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation. Immediate Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural. "However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and concern is to remain prepared." Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Broader Effects Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Trajectory Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean. By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm. Climate Background While it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense. Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.