🔗 Share this article Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation The hurricane has already affected nearby countries Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides. The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists. Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised. This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn. Category Five Hurricane Risk A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h. Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country. Immediate Safety Steps With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion". "An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts. The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified. "However the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared." Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Broader Effects Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week. Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Path Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic. By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm. Environmental Background Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme. Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes. Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.