🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding 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 November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.