🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica The cyclone has struck nearby countries Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts. Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised. This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn. Most Intense Cyclone Threat A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts. The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural. "But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Regional Effects Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services. Future Path The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic. By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone. Climate Connection Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme. Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes. Before the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.