đź”— Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power While Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica This powerful storm has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides. The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities. Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn. Most Intense Hurricane Threat A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Readiness Measures With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts. The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified. "But the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies. Wider Consequences Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services. Future Course This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic. By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane. Environmental Connection Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme. Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms. Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.