🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it veers towards Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

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

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.