Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels Towards the Island Nation

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

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

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.