🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Gains Power As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation The hurricane has struck nearby countries Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls. The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised. The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn. Category Five Hurricane Threat A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island. Urgent Readiness Measures With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials. The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural. "Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared." Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials. Regional Impact Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities. Future Trajectory The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean. By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane. Weather Connection Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme. Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones. Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.