Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies While Barrels Toward Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.