🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.