🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.