Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger As It Barrels Toward Jamaica

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.