🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.