Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Heads In the Direction of Jamaica

Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

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

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.