🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.