🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.