🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.