🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.