🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.