🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Heads Towards Jamaica This powerful storm has already affected nearby countries Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts. Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged. The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month. Most Intense Storm Danger A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country. Urgent Readiness Measures With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials. The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified. "Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready." Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities. Regional Impact Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services. Expected Course This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean. By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone. Climate Connection While it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense. Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms. Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.