Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation

Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.