🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Intensifies As It Barrels Toward Jamaica The cyclone has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts. Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told. Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn. Highest-Level Cyclone Danger A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation. Critical Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "But the best way to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials. Broader Consequences Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services. Projected Path Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic. By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm. Weather Context Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense. Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of storms. Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.