🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.