🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.