🔗 Share this article

Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the nation.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Even though it is difficult to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.