Hurricane the storm Gains Power As It Moves Toward Jamaica
Cyclone Melissa is forecast to escalate to a uncommon highest-level hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.
The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.
Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Category Five Storm Danger
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
Even though the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.
Immediate Preparations
With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.
"However the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.
Broader Impact
Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
Expected Trajectory
Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.
Environmental Background
Although it is hard to connect specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.
Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of storms.
Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.
