🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare highest-level hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

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

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.