🔗 Share this article Cyclone Melissa Intensifies While Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation The cyclone has already affected nearby countries Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides. This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists. Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged. The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November. Category Five Cyclone Danger A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island. Critical Readiness Measures With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials. The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified. "But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies. Regional Impact Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services. Future Course Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean. By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane. Climate Connection Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes. Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.