🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies As It Moves Toward Jamaica The cyclone has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Hurricane the storm is projected to become a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides. This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn. Most Intense Hurricane Danger A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph. Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities. Regional Consequences Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week. Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities. Future Trajectory This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic. By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone. Environmental Context Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe. Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms. Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.