đź”— Share this article Tropical Storm the storm Intensifies While Barrels Towards the Island Nation The hurricane has already affected neighboring nations Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides. The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists. Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised. Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November. Most Intense Cyclone Danger A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph. Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation. Critical Safety Steps With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts. The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified. "But the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready." Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials. Regional Consequences Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period. Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Trajectory The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. Environmental Connection Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense. Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones. Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.