🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation This powerful storm has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides. The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities. Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged. Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November. Category Five Cyclone Danger A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials. The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural. "But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared." Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Broader Effects Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services. Projected Course The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm. Climate Connection Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe. Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.