🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.