🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Heads Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has impacted Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities. Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised. This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month. Highest-Level Cyclone Threat A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation. Urgent Preparations With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts. The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared." Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities. Regional Impact Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services. Projected Path Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm. Environmental Connection Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme. Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms. Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.