Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Toward Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

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

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.