🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.