🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.