🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

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

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.