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

Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.