🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.