🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

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

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.