Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation

Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

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

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.