🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.