🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.