Cyclone Melissa Intensifies While Barrels Toward Jamaica

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories 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 numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

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

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.