🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.