Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger As It Moves Toward the Island Nation

Cyclone the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.