🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Moves Toward Jamaica This powerful storm has impacted neighboring nations Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls. This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists. Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised. Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November. Most Intense Hurricane Danger A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island. Urgent Preparations With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural. "Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies. Wider Consequences Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period. Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities. Expected Trajectory Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic. By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm. Environmental Connection Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense. Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes. Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.