Hurricane the storm Grows Stronger While Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

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

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.