🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

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

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.