Hurricane Melissa Gains Power While Heads In the Direction of Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.