Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger As It Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Highest-Level Hurricane Threat
A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"Yet the best way to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Wider Impact
Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Future Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.
Climate Context
Although it is hard to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.
