Hurricane Melissa Grows Stronger As It Heads Towards Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.
This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.
Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.
Highest-Level Cyclone Danger
A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Even though this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.
Urgent Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"But the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Impact
Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Trajectory
Melissa is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Connection
Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.
