Cyclone Melissa Gains Power While Barrels Towards Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.