🔗 Share this article

Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

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

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.