Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger As It Heads Towards Jamaica

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

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

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.