🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.