🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.