🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.