🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

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

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

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

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.