🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.