🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.