🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.