🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power As It Heads Towards Jamaica The hurricane has struck neighboring nations Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities. Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged. Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November. Category Five Storm Threat A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities. The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified. "However the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities. Broader Effects Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week. Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Path The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean. By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level storm. Climate Context While it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe. Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of storms. Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.