🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.