🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.