🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

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

"But the best way to handle anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.