🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.