Hurricane Melissa Gains Power As It Moves Toward the Island Nation
Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.
The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.
Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.
Most Intense Cyclone Threat
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.
Immediate Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Regional Impact
Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Landslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Future Path
The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.
By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.
Weather Context
Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.
Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.
