Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger While Moves Toward Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.