🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.