🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.