🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.