🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.