Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.
The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"But the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.
Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.
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