🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.