🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Moves In the Direction of Jamaica The hurricane has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides. The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts. Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told. This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn. Category Five Hurricane Danger A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph. While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country. Urgent Safety Steps With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities. The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified. "But the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Regional Consequences Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Trajectory Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean. By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm. Environmental Context Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense. Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.