🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of 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 harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.