Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Towards the Island Nation

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.