Tropical Storm Melissa Gains Power While Moves Toward Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

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

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.