🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

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

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected 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 diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.