🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.