Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger As It Barrels In the Direction of the Island Nation

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.