🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.