Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Barrels Toward the Island Nation

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

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

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.