🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.