🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Towards Jamaica This powerful storm has struck nearby countries Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides. This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised. This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month. Category Five Cyclone Threat A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country. Critical Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned. "Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Wider Effects Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services. Future Path Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane. Weather Context Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes. Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.