🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

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

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.