🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.