🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.