Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.