🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.