Cyclone Melissa Gains Power As It Moves In the Direction of the Island Nation
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.
This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Hurricane Danger
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
While Melissa is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.
Critical Safety Steps
With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.
"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Consequences
Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.
Mudslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.
Projected Trajectory
This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.
By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.
Climate Context
Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.
Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.