🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare highest-level storm as it veers toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.