🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads Toward Jamaica This powerful storm has struck neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists. Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told. The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn. Category Five Cyclone Threat A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts. The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified. "However the best way to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials. Wider Impact Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period. Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Path This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean. By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane. Climate Context While it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe. Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes. Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.