🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.