🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Future Course

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.