🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Moves Toward the Island Nation The hurricane has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides. The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told. Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn. Most Intense Cyclone Risk A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation. Immediate Safety Steps With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural. "However the best way to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared." Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials. Wider Consequences Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities. Expected Course Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm. Weather Background Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme. Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes. Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.