In brief
Hurricane Melissa is on a trajectory toward Jamaica, forecasted to strengthen into a category five storm with winds up to 120 mph. It poses serious threats of flooding and infrastructural damage, with significant rainfall expected. Residents are urged to prepare for life-threatening conditions, while warnings extend to several areas in the Caribbean including Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides. The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph (195 km/h) as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).It warns of power cuts and damage to infrastructure as Melissa brings up to 30 inches (76cm) of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft (4m) above ground. 'Seek shelter now,' residents have been told. Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph. While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four before reaching Jamaica, the NHC said there was 'very little practical difference in the overall impacts' upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be 'at least that intensity' when it hits the island.With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - it warns that 'preparations should be rushed to completion'.'A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides,' the meteorological agency urged residents. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that although many locals are anxious, the best way to address these feelings is to be prepared. Residents have been advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stock up on essentials.Warnings are also in effect in parts of Haiti, including the capital, Port au Prince, as well as the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where similar effects are anticipated by the middle of next week. Tragically, landslides caused by Hurricane Melissa have already resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.The storm is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday, likely weakening to a category three storm at that point. While linking individual weather events to climate change is complex, scientists point out that warmer oceans enhance hurricane formation and intensity. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted above-normal activity for this year's Atlantic hurricane season, attributing it to warmer seas and stronger monsoon activity around West Africa.
