🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.