🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

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

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.