🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.