đź”— Share this article Cyclone Melissa Intensifies As It Heads Toward Jamaica The hurricane has struck nearby countries Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides. This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists. Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November. Category Five Cyclone Threat A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. While the hurricane 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 total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country. Critical Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities. Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned. "But the best way to handle worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared." Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities. Broader Effects Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities. Expected Course This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean. By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone. Climate Connection While it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes. Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.