🔗 Share this article Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation This powerful storm has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides. The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told. Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn. Category Five Cyclone Threat A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation. Urgent Readiness Measures With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled climate experts. The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned. "But the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready." Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies. Broader Consequences Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period. Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Expected Trajectory Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean. By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane. Climate Context Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense. Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms. Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.