Cyclone the storm Gains Power While Moves Towards Jamaica

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.