🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.