Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies While Moves Toward the Island Nation
Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare highest-level storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.
The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.
Category Five Cyclone Risk
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.
Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.
Urgent Preparations
With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.
The nation's leader the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."
Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Path
The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.
Weather Background
While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.
Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.