🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the best way to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.