🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

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

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.