Cyclone the storm Grows Stronger While Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.
The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.
This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.
Highest-Level Hurricane Danger
A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.
The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Effects
Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.
Future Trajectory
The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three hurricane.
Weather Connection
Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.