Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation

Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.