🔗 Share this article Cyclone Melissa Gains Power While Moves Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides. The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities. Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised. This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November. Category Five Hurricane Risk A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation. Critical Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities. The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural. "Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Wider Effects Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week. Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Course The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic. By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm. Environmental Background Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense. Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms. Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.