Cyclone Melissa Intensifies As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.