🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.