🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.