🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.