🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation The hurricane has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides. The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists. Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told. Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month. Most Intense Storm Risk A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Preparations With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials. Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned. "Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities. Broader Impact Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities. Projected Course This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean. By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm. Environmental Connection While it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense. Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms. Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.