🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

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

Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

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

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to connect specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.