Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.
The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.
This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.
Highest-Level Storm Danger
A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157mph.
Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.
The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Wider Impact
Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.
By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Environmental Connection
While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the development of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.