🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

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

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.