🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.