🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies While Moves Toward Jamaica This powerful storm has impacted neighboring nations Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls. The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts. Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told. The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month. Most Intense Hurricane Threat A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island. Urgent Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities. The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared." Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies. Regional Effects Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period. Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities. Projected Path Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic. By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm. Weather Context While it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe. Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones. Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.