🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.