🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.