Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Moves Towards Jamaica

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.