Hurricane Melissa Gains Power While Barrels Toward Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.
The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.
Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.
Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Risk
A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
While Melissa is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.
Immediate Safety Steps
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," counseled climate experts.
The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.
Regional Effects
Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Expected Course
Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.
By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Context
Even though it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.
Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.