🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.