Tropical Storm Melissa Grows Stronger As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

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

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.