🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

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

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.