🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

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

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Connection

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.