Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels Towards Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.