Tropical Storm the storm Gains Power While Barrels In the Direction of Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level hurricane as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.
This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.
Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Hurricane Danger
A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.
"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.
Broader Effects
Alerts are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Landslides currently triggered by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.
Projected Course
This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.
By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.
Environmental Connection
Although it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.
Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.
