🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.