🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

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

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.