Hurricane Melissa Gains Power While Heads Toward the Island Nation
Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.
The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.
Most Intense Cyclone Threat
A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.
Although Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.
Urgent Preparations
With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected long before it passes over central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".
"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged weather authorities.
The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"However the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Wider Consequences
Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.
Projected Course
The hurricane is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.
Climate Connection
Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.
Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.
Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.