🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane 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 now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.