🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

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

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.