🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.