🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has struck nearby countries Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides. The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists. Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told. Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November. Highest-Level Hurricane Danger A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation. Immediate Preparations With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised climate experts. The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural. "But the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready." Residents are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities. Regional Consequences Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Trajectory The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean. By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane. Weather Context Although it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense. Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes. Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.