🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

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

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.