🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.