Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of Jamaica
Tropical Storm the storm is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.
The cyclone, 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 projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.
The cyclone is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.
Category Five Hurricane Risk
A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Even though this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.
The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Regional Impact
Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.
Expected Path
This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.
Climate Connection
Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.
Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.