🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

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

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

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

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.