🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

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

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.