🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Intensifies While Heads Toward Jamaica This powerful storm has impacted neighboring nations Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists. Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised. This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn. Highest-Level Hurricane Risk A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island. Urgent Safety Steps With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities. The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned. "Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared." Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials. Broader Impact Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities. Expected Trajectory The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic. By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone. Climate Connection While it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense. Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones. Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.