🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.