🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to manage anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.