🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

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

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.