Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.