🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.