🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.