🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

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

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.