🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.