🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four storm 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 hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.