🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.