Tropical Storm the storm Grows Stronger As It Heads In the Direction of Jamaica

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.