Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.
The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.
A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.
Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.
Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.
Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.
Elara Voss is a cultural anthropologist and freelance writer, passionate about uncovering human stories that bridge divides.
