🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.