🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.