Hurricane the storm Intensifies As It Heads Towards Jamaica

Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Climate Connection

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.