🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.