🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation The hurricane has impacted neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts. Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told. This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month. Most Intense Hurricane Danger A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation. Urgent Preparations With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials. The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. "Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared." Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials. Regional Effects Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Course Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean. By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone. Climate Context While it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes. Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.