🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.