🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.