🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to become a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

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

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.