🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies As It Barrels Towards Jamaica This powerful storm has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level storm as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities. Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told. This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn. Category Five Cyclone Danger A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. While this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials. The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "But the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared." Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials. Broader Effects Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week. Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities. Future Course Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic. By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level hurricane. Environmental Connection Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme. Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of storms. Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.