Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.