🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.