🔗 Share this article

Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.