🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.