Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Heads Toward Jamaica

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.