🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

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 and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.