Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power While Moves Towards Jamaica

Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded 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 reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.