🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.