🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.