🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.