🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica The hurricane has impacted neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities. Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told. Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November. Most Intense Cyclone Danger A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island. Immediate Preparations With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities. The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned. "But the best way to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities. Broader Effects Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week. Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities. Expected Path The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm. Environmental Connection Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense. Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms. Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.