🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Intensifies As It Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation This powerful storm has struck nearby countries Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls. The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists. Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month. Highest-Level Cyclone Risk A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country. Urgent Preparations With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts. The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready." Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials. Regional Impact Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week. Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities. Future Course The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic. By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane. Climate Background Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe. Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.