Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Toward Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.