🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.