🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

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

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

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

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.