🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

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

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.