🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.