🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

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

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.