🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

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

While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.