Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Heads Toward Jamaica
Tropical Storm the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
Category Five Hurricane Risk
A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.
Critical Preparations
With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised meteorological officials.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."
Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.
Climate Context
Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.
Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.
