🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.