đź”— Share this article Hurricane Melissa Gains Power While Heads In the Direction of Jamaica The hurricane has already affected nearby countries Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides. The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts. Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged. This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November. Highest-Level Storm Danger A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island. Immediate Preparations With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities. Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Regional Impact Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities. Future Course This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic. By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm. Environmental Context Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme. Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones. Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.