🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging 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.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.