🔗 Share this article Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation The hurricane has struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides. The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised. Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November. Category Five Storm Danger A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph. Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation. Immediate Preparations With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials. The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified. "Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies. Wider Consequences Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period. Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services. Expected Course The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic. By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone. Weather Background Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense. Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of storms. Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.