🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

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

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.