🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching 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 nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.