Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves Toward Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.