🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

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

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.