Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies While Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Path

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.