Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.