🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.