Cyclone Melissa Grows Stronger As It Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.
This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.
This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.
Category Five Cyclone Risk
A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.
Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.
Urgent Preparations
With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.
Wider Impact
Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Trajectory
Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.
Weather Context
While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.
Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.
