Hurricane Melissa Gains Power While Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

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

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.