🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.