🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.