🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.