🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

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

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.