Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Barrels Towards Jamaica

Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.