Hurricane Melissa Gains Power While Moves Toward the Island Nation

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.