Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads Towards Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.