🔗 Share this article

Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

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

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.