🔗 Share this article Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation This powerful storm has struck nearby countries Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists. Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised. Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn. Most Intense Hurricane Danger A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country. Critical Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged climate experts. The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural. "However the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies. Regional Consequences Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Path The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic. By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane. Climate Connection Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense. Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of storms. Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.