Cyclone Melissa Intensifies While Barrels Towards Jamaica

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.