🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.