🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

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

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts 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 Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.