🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.