Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Toward the Island Nation

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.