🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.