🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation This powerful storm has struck nearby countries Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides. This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities. Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told. This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November. Category Five Cyclone Risk A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly". "A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities. The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural. "However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared." Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies. Wider Consequences Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period. Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services. Future Path This weather system is predicted 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 makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone. Weather Background While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe. Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms. Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.