🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare highest-level storm as it turns towards Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.