🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.