Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger While Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.
Most Intense Hurricane Danger
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.
Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."
Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.
Wider Impact
Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Projected Trajectory
This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.
Weather Context
Although it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.
