🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.