🔗 Share this article Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Heads Toward the Island Nation This powerful storm has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides. This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised. Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November. Category Five Cyclone Threat A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country. Critical Readiness Measures With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities. The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural. "However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies. Broader Consequences Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities. Expected Trajectory The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone. Climate Context Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more intense. Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms. Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.