🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.