Hurricane Melissa Intensifies While Moves Toward the Island Nation

Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.