🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

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

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is hard to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.