Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies As It Barrels Toward the Island Nation

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" 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-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Background

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.