🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.