🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation The hurricane has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls. The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists. Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told. Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month. Most Intense Storm Threat A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h. While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island. Immediate Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned. "But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared." Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials. Wider Consequences Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Future Path The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm. Weather Background Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense. Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.