đŸ”— Share this article Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation The cyclone has impacted neighboring nations Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides. This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities. Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told. The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November. Most Intense Hurricane Risk A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h. Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country. Urgent Preparations With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated". "A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials. The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified. "However the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready." Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities. Regional Consequences Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week. Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency. Projected Trajectory This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean. By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone. Environmental Context Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense. Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones. Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.