🔗 Share this article Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Moves Towards the Island Nation The cyclone has already affected neighboring nations Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides. The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities. Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told. Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn. Highest-Level Hurricane Danger A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation. Critical Preparations With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged climate experts. Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified. "Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared." Residents are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies. Regional Consequences Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week. Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Future Course This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean. By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane. Climate Connection Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme. Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones. Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.