🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts.

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

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.