🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.