🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.