Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Tropical Storm the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.
The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Most Intense Cyclone Risk
A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"However the most effective method to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."
Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.
Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.
Weather Background
Although it is difficult to connect specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.
Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.