🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.