🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

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

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.