🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.