🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Intensifies As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica The hurricane has already affected nearby countries Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls. This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts. Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told. This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn. Category Five Storm Risk A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country. Urgent Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities. The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared." Residents are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities. Regional Consequences Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week. Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities. Expected Trajectory This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm. Weather Background Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme. Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones. Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.